Across the country and right here in Houston, bartending schools are seeing a spike in enrollment. It's up about 25% from last year. While it used to be thought of as a predominately college student's job, with more people looking for work, people from all career backgrounds are signing up, to mix it up.
Inside the Texas School of Bartending off of Chimney Rock in Southwest Houston, the lights are dim, the music's bumping and the alcohol is flowing. Well, the liquor's actually just colored liquid, but don't be fooled, the learning is very real. "I've learned about high ball drinks, learned about different types of sours and about a million different shots," said student William Jenkins, who's only on his third day.
Throughout the two week course, students will learn how to mix up over 150 different cocktails. "We get them behind the bar and keep them there as much as possible, that's the only way they're going to learn to do it right," said Director Boogie McCutcheon.
There are three, four hour classes a day, and this one is packed. Directors say so far this year, 153 students have graduated and the numbers are steadily increasing. McCutcheon thinks it's a direct reflection of the slumping ecomony.
"As bartender you are pretty much constantly have a job," Jenkins said. That's exactly what this student, who's looking to make some quick cash during his summer break, is betting on. "Sadly, believe it or not, a lot of people drink or result to drinking as a result of being out of work, people tend to drink their cares away," Jenkins said.
McCutcheon said bartending is popular not only because you can easily walk out with $150 cash a night, but the flexible hours are great for those looking for a second job. "Generally people are 18-25, but we've had people in their 60's in class," said McCutcheon. "They're retired, looking to supplement their income," he said. "Overall, it's fun, there's no way to not enjoy getting paid for pouring drinks," Jenkins said.
The two week course, which is 40 hours, costs $595.
Clickhere for more information.
Inside the Texas School of Bartending off of Chimney Rock in Southwest Houston, the lights are dim, the music's bumping and the alcohol is flowing. Well, the liquor's actually just colored liquid, but don't be fooled, the learning is very real. "I've learned about high ball drinks, learned about different types of sours and about a million different shots," said student William Jenkins, who's only on his third day.
Throughout the two week course, students will learn how to mix up over 150 different cocktails. "We get them behind the bar and keep them there as much as possible, that's the only way they're going to learn to do it right," said Director Boogie McCutcheon.
There are three, four hour classes a day, and this one is packed. Directors say so far this year, 153 students have graduated and the numbers are steadily increasing. McCutcheon thinks it's a direct reflection of the slumping ecomony.
"As bartender you are pretty much constantly have a job," Jenkins said. That's exactly what this student, who's looking to make some quick cash during his summer break, is betting on. "Sadly, believe it or not, a lot of people drink or result to drinking as a result of being out of work, people tend to drink their cares away," Jenkins said.
McCutcheon said bartending is popular not only because you can easily walk out with $150 cash a night, but the flexible hours are great for those looking for a second job. "Generally people are 18-25, but we've had people in their 60's in class," said McCutcheon. "They're retired, looking to supplement their income," he said. "Overall, it's fun, there's no way to not enjoy getting paid for pouring drinks," Jenkins said.
The two week course, which is 40 hours, costs $595.
Clickhere for more information.
